{"id":1460,"date":"2024-08-19T15:07:31","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T19:07:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/?p=1460"},"modified":"2024-08-19T15:07:31","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T19:07:31","slug":"keigo-and-beyond-navigating-japanese-corporate-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/2024\/08\/19\/keigo-and-beyond-navigating-japanese-corporate-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Keigo and Beyond: Navigating Japanese Corporate Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let’s face it. Learning Japanese is tough. There\u2019s no shortcuts. Even after passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), some of us still feel like infants trying to communicate in a grown-up world. This is especially true when it comes to Japanese business manners and the formal language known as keigo<\/em>.

If you’re thinking about working in Japan, landing a job with Japanese companies in the US, or working on improving your Japanese speaking skills, getting the hang of these nuances is super important. We’ve whipped up a fun little quiz for you to try out. Once you finish, we\u2019ll walk you through the interesting world of Japanese business etiquette, making it easier to understand all those little details.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Challenge of Learning Japanese and Its Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keigo<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mastering Japanese is no small feat\u2014only a few really pull it off! The grammar, kanji, and cultural nuances make it one of the toughest languages for English speakers. Even after studying for years, many still find themselves grappling with the subtleties like tone and formality. Passing the JLPT feels like a big win, but it doesn\u2019t completely get you ready for the complexities of keigo.<\/em> This way of speaking, which emphasizes politeness and respect, can really throw off even the more advanced learners. It\u2019s kind of like having the vocabulary of an adult but the conversation skills of a child when you first step into a Japanese workplace. Just understanding the words isn\u2019t enough; you\u2019ve got to know how to use them in different social situations. And as your Japanese improves, those expectations just keep getting higher!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business Etiquettes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Navigating Japanese business etiquette can be a bit tricky because of all the spoken and unspoken rules. For those who grew up in Japan, these nuances are second nature, but for non-Japanese folks, it can feel overwhelming. But don\u2019t stress! Most Japanese people won\u2019t be offended if you miss a few things. What really counts is your effort to respect these customs\u2014showing that you\u2019re culturally aware goes a long way. This effort can really boost your professional relationships and open doors for successful collaborations in the Japanese business scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honestly, even native Japanese speakers can trip up on keigo<\/em> and manners! So if you make a mistake, don\u2019t sweat it\u2014just learn from it and move on!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Quiz to Test Your Knowledge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think you\u2019ve got a handle on Japanese business manners? Take this quiz to find out!
Business Manner Quiz (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question 1<\/strong>
Which of the following phrases would be more appropriate to use with a coworker at the workplace or a client at a business meeting? Match them up appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2460\u300c\u304a\u4e16\u8a71(\u305b\u308f)\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u300d \u30fbA \u540c\u50da(\u3069\u3046\u308a\u3087\u3046)
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2461\u300c\u304a\u75b2(\u3064\u304b)\u308c\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3059\u300d \u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u30fbB \u304a\u5ba2\u69d8(\u304d\u3083\u304f\u3055\u307e)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question 2<\/strong>
Which seat is “Kamiza\u201d; a seat where a client or superior should be seated? Mark the numbered seat in a typical meeting room setup.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Question 3<\/strong>
It is best to put away a business card immediately after you receive it. Yes or No?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question 4<\/strong>
When departing work for the day, which one of the following is the most appropriate greeting?
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2460 \u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089 (Sayounara)\u3000\u3000
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2461 \u304a\u5148\u306b\u5931\u793c\u3057\u307e\u3059 (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2462 \u3054\u3081\u3093\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044 (Gomenkudasai)\u3000
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2463 \u30d0\u30a4\u30d0\u30a4 (Baibai)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question 5<\/strong>
When answering a phone call from an outside number at work, which of the following is considered most appropriate?
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2460 \u3082\u3057\u3082\u3057 (Moshi moshi)
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2461 \u4f1a\u793e\u306e\u540d\u524d\u3092\u8a00\u3046 (Kaisha no namae wo iu)
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2462 \u3053\u3093\u306b\u3061\u306f (Konnichiwa)
\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2463 \u81ea\u5206\u306e\u540d\u524d\u3092\u8a00\u3046 (Jibun no namae wo iu)<\/p>\n\n\n

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How Did You Do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check your answers and see how well you understand Japanese business manners!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. \u2460B \u2461A\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Phrase \u304a\u4e16\u8a71(\u305b\u308f)\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059 and its variation such as \u3044\u3064\u3082\u304a\u4e16\u8a71(\u305b\u308f)\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059\u3001\u5927\u5909(\u305f\u3044\u3078\u3093)\u304a\u4e16\u8a71(\u305b\u308f)\u306b\u306a\u3063\u3066\u304a\u308a\u307e\u3059 translate to “I am appreciative of your business” and\/or “thank you for your support” and they are meant to be used for customers and business partners. You can use this phrase in-person, on the phone, and of course you can use it in email. On the other hand \u304a\u75b2(\u3064\u304b)\u308c\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3059\u3001is used between co-workers.\u00a0 It can be used as opening of an email exchange, you can use it as a way to say “Hello, how are you doing” and if you make it a past tense, \u304a\u75b2(\u3064\u304b)\u308c\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3057\u305f\u00a0 you can actually use it in place of a “goodbye” as well, which we will go into more details in #4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/em> You often hear the phrase \u3054\u82e6\u52b4\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3057\u305f in the workplace, but it\u2019s not something you should say to your co-workers, clients, or supervisors. It\u2019s really meant for those in authority. It’s one of those nuanced phrases that you\u2019ve got to think about carefully!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. \u2460<\/strong>
In Japanese culture, there\u2019s this neat concept called Kamiza<\/em> (the best seat) and Shimoza<\/em> (the lower seat). Typically, the seat furthest from the door is considered Kamiza<\/em>. So, if you and your boss are expecting guests from ABC Inc., like Mr. Tanaka, the Manager, and Mr. Suzuki, the Assistant Manager, you\u2019d want to have Mr. Tanaka sit in seat 1 and Mr. Suzuki in seat 2. Your boss would take seat 3, while you would grab seat 4, the one closest to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/em> If you’re a bit confused about which seat is which, just ask your coworkers for help! The kamiza <\/em>can vary depending on how many seats there are, the types of seating (like whether it\u2019s a sofa or a chair), and how many people are attending. It’s pretty common to rearrange the furniture in meeting rooms to make the kamiza <\/em>clear!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. No<\/strong>
Business cards are still a big deal in Japanese business culture! When you exchange cards, don\u2019t just shove it away right after. Take a moment to ask about their title or what department they\u2019re in\u2014it shows you\u2019re interested. If you\u2019re stuck on what to say, you could always mention the office location. Just find a way to keep the conversation flowing!

Tip:<\/em> Usually, you hand out your business card just once when you first meet someone. But if your title or company address changes and you get a new card, it\u2019s totally polite to share your updated card again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. \u2461 \u304a\u5148\u306b\u5931\u793c\u3057\u307e\u3059 (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)<\/strong>
We get it\u2014this was a trick question! Sure, \u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089 means “goodbye,” but it\u2019s a bit too casual for the office on its own. And then there’s \u30d0\u30a4\u30d0\u30a4, which literally translates to “bye-bye” in English\u2014definitely the most laid-back option. \u3054\u3081\u3093\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044 is a versatile option. It’s a polite way to say “hello” when visiting someone, like clients in their office, and you can also use it when you\u2019re leaving. But when it comes to saying goodbye to your coworkers, \u304a\u5148(\u3055\u304d)\u306b\u5931\u793c(\u3057\u3064\u308c\u3044)\u3057\u307e\u3059 is your best bet. You can even mix it with \u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089 or the phrase from question #1 \u304a\u75b2(\u3064\u304b)\u308c\u3055\u307e\u3067\u3057\u305f\u3001just to cover all your bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: <\/em>Maybe you’ve been looking forward to an opportunity to use \u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089 since you learned it, but guess what? A recent survey found that 70% of people actually prefer saying things like \u307e\u305f\u306d, \u30d0\u30a4\u30d0\u30a4, and \u304a\u3064\u304b\u308c\u3055\u307e instead. Just something to keep in mind!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. \u2461 \u4f1a\u793e\u306e\u540d\u524d\u3092\u8a00\u3046 (Kaisha no namae wo iu)<\/strong>
That might have been a tough question because it really depends on the situation, right? But generally, you should steer clear of saying phrases like \u3082\u3057\u3082\u3057 or \u3053\u3093\u306b\u3061\u306f when you’re the first one to pick up the phone in the office. Also, it’s best not to mention your name before the company\u2019s name. The order you want to follow is: company name, department name (if there is one), and finally your name.\u00a0 If a co-worker from a different department calls you or someone says, \u201cMr. Tanaka from ABC Inc. is on line 1 for you,\u201d you can pick up and say \u3082\u3057\u3082\u3057 followed by your name, and that works perfectly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: <\/em>We think learning how to answer phone calls or make calls for yourself can be really tricky. A lot of us kept a memo with keigo<\/em> phrases by the phone to avoid panicking. Once you memorize the phrases, it will come out naturally!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did it go? No worries if you didn’t get them all right\u2014mastering these nuances takes time and practice!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Let’s Keep on Practicing!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Japanese business manners might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but with some practice and patience, you’ll get the hang of it! Not only will this improve your professional interactions, but it\u2019ll also deepen your appreciation for Japanese culture. After all, your curiosity about Japan brought you here, right? Let\u2019s have some fun with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking about stepping up your understanding of Japanese business culture by working for one? Whether you\u2019re aiming to work for a Japanese company in the US or dreaming of a job in Tokyo, we\u2019re here to help! Our recruiters at iiicareer can assist you with resume writing and share handy interview tips. You can always come and browse through our jobs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join our community of global business professionals\u2014we can\u2019t wait to hear from you!
www.iiicareer.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you also know that there is a Japanese internet radio station?<\/p>\n\n\n

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You can listen to it anytime you want @ www.sakuraradio.com<\/a>
We have Japanese music, news, podcasts and more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Let’s face it. Learning Japanese is tough. There\u2019s no shortcuts. Even after passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), some of us still feel like infants trying to communicate in a grown-up world. This is especially true when it comes to Japanese business manners and the formal language known as keigo. If you’re thinking about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1003,"featured_media":1463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"vkexunit_cta_each_option":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[25,27,26,28,29],"class_list":["post-1460","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-related","tag-japanese-business-manners","tag-jplt","tag-keigo","tag-learning-japanese","tag-working-in-japan"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1003"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1460"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1460\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1474,"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1460\/revisions\/1474"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1460"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1460"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iiicareer.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}